Enjoying the community celebrations at Wanaka's Rippon Vineyard yesterday are (seated, from left) Logan Penniket, of Wellington, Sophie Penniket, of Dunedin, Glynis Woodrow, of Wanaka, Charlotte Penniket, of Dunedin, Steph Woodrow, of Wellington, Sue Penniket, of Wanaka, and (standing) Neil Woodrow (left) and Andrew Penniket, both of Wanaka.
Several hundred people basked in the sunshine at the vineyard as Labour weekend celebrations for two major milestones at the property wound down.
With the release of its 2012 pinot noir, the vineyard was toasting an auspicious year in its history.
In 2012, the Mills family had been making wine for 30 years at Rippon, and a century had passed since the land was bought as part of Wanaka Station by Dunedin businessman Sir Percy Sargood.
Sir Percy's grandson, the late Rolfe Mills, and his wife Lois were among Central Otago's earliest viticulture pioneers and established the first commercial vines at Rippon in 1982.
The business is now run by their children, who invited the community to the winery overlooking Lake Wanaka yesterday afternoon for a barbecue, live music and lawn games.
A private vertical tasting of Rippon pinot noirs was also held at the Rippon Hall on Sunday.
